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What if “all are welcome” still leaves people standing alone? Statistically, chances are high that either you or someone close to you lives with a disability. Yet far too often, people with disabilities find themselves pushed to the margins. This special episode comes from The Leader's Journey Podcast, where Mac and Josie open up about parenting their son Griffin, who has Down syndrome and likely autism. His life has forced them to rethink ability, achievement, and what church is for.

They further explore how ableism shows up in ordinary moments: the rushed band tryout, the inaccessible bus plan, the Sunday greeting time where some are always left out. They talk candidly about the limits of inclusion, the harm of disability blindness, and why pity and programs can’t create the mutuality needed. Instead, they point to Jesus’ pattern of noticing, honoring dignity, and disrupting the crowd’s anxious order—and what that means for pastors, volunteers, and anyone who wants their community to reflect the kingdom.

If you’re a tired leader wondering how to start, take a breath. You don’t need another ministry to manage. You need a fresh lens and an asset-based posture that surfaces the gifts already in your congregation, especially from people with lived experience. Practical ways to guide attention, reduce anxiety, and build real friendships are shared. Along Mac and Josie's journey, Griffin has taught them that persistence opens doors, belonging transforms rooms, and joy can be loud, off-beat, and exactly what the body needs.

If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend, leave a review, and be sure to check out The Leader's Journey Podcast for more great content.